1. After reading about the OHI holistic healing program, I still have questions about whether the program is right for me. Can I talk with someone?
Absolutely! Our reservation specialists are happy to answer any questions. You can also request to speak with one of our Program Directors to discuss more detailed questions. Call (800) 993-4325.

2. How long is the program? Can I come for part of it?
The OHI holistic healing program is a 21-day program taught over 3 weeks. You can attend all three weeks consecutively, or you can choose to come for 1 or 2 weeks at a time and complete the 21-day program over multiple visits to OHI.
The flexible program allows you to start the first, second, or third week of the program on any Sunday at either OHI Austin or OHI San Diego. The weekly program runs from Sunday through Sunday. The minimum stay is one week.

3. What are the classes like? Do I have to take them all?
The OHI holistic healing program is designed to facilitate the healing of your body, mind, and spirit. The classes and activities are designed to help you make healthy choices, integrate helpful tools in your daily life, and enable transformation that you can take home with you. While we encourage you to attend all of the classes and activities, the choice of your level of participation is up to you. However, we highly recommend you participate fully in the OHI program. We emphasize the importance of taking personal responsibility for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

4. What kind of food do you serve? What if I don’t like it?
All meals at OHI are prepared to provide maximum cleansing, nutrition, and energy. Our staff lovingly serves food in its purest form – fresh, raw, certified-organic vegetables and fruits. To support the detoxification process, OHI meals do not contain nuts or oils, which are often found in gourmet raw meals. A two-and-a-half-day liquid fast of vegetable juice is served during the first week of the program to support rapid and effective cleansing of your body.

There are two meal options. The regular diet consists of raw melons, fruits, vegetables, sprouts, and fermented foods. The hypo diet is for people with sugar sensitivities such as yeast, candida, diabetes, or cancer and excludes melons, fruits, carrots, beets, and jicama.

You are asked not to bring any outside food or drink onto the campus, or order food for delivery, as OHI meals are designed to aid the healing process. We ask that you keep an open mind and positive attitude, so that you can discover what highly nutritious food can do to help you heal.

5. I am gluten-intolerant. Can I drink wheat grass?
You should be able to drink wheat grass juice without any problem. The wheat grass that is juiced at OHI is harvested within 10 days of planting, and gluten is not yet formed.

6. Do you have a gym? What types of exercise classes do you have?
We do not have a gym at either of our campuses in Austin, Texas or San Diego, California. We do offer a lymphatic exercise program each morning and a stretch class each afternoon. These classes have been designed to help you cleanse you the body, activate your lymphatic system, and relax your mind – to boost your immune system and contribute to the healing process.

7. Do I have to do my own colon cleansing?
Colon cleansing an important part of our holistic healing program. On the first Monday of the program, you will learn how to use enemas and implants to support the cleansing process, and OHI will provide you with the materials that you can use in the privacy of your room. In addition, OHI has contracted with qualified professionals that provide colon hydrotherapy services for an additional fee.

8. How many colonics to you recommend?
The number and frequency of colonics are a personal and financial decision. If you attend the Optimum Health Institute in Austin, Texas, you must obtain a prescription for colonics from a visiting physician on Sunday who will decide the number of colonics that can be authorized for you. This is required by Texas law. A written note from your attending physician may be required at OHI San Diego as well if you have a pre-existing condition. Please call the colon hydrotherapy provider prior to your arrival so that you are prepared before your stay with us.

9. Do you have a medical staff?
The Optimum Health Institute is not a medical facility and does not have medical staff, but is a healing mission of the Free Sacred Trinity Church. Those participating in the program must be able to function independently and take care of themselves. OHI does not provide medical care, advice or treatment.

10. Can I continue to take my medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements while I’m at OHI?
All guests are advised to consult their physicians regarding specific personal health issues and the use of prescribed medications. While on the OHI program, you should continue following your physician’s orders regarding your prescribed medications. Never discontinue any medication without first consulting a physician. We do not advise you to continue taking vitamins and nutritional supplements while on the OHI program because it may interfere with the detoxification.

11. I have some physical limitations for climbing stairs. Will that be a problem?
The nature of OHI’s holistic healing program requires that guests be self-reliant. We are a healing ministry, not a medical facility therefore we are not equipped to support those who are not self-reliant. Because we have a responsibility to ensure all guests in the program have the same opportunity to heal and support guests to focus on their own personal healing, we require that all guests maintain a certain level of self-sufficiency. If your physical limitations restrict you from being self-sufficient, then we encourage you to come but require you to bring a friend to support your needs. We offer financial assistance for those required to bring a friend for support. Read more about the OHI scholarship program.

12. I am highly-sensitive to perfumes and chemicals found in personal care products, detergents, and so on. Will that be a problem?
We try to keep the environment as free from chemicals as possible, but it is not a completely chemical-free facility. In addition, we encourage our guests to bring non-toxic, personal care products to OHI or purchase them at the Optimum Health Store.

13. Will the OHI program help me lose weight?
While the OHI holistic healing program is not designed for weight loss, if you eat only the meals prepared at OHI, participate in the daily exercise classes, and drink the required amounts of water and rejuvelac, you will most likely lose weight during your stay. By attending all classes, you will learn how a variety of factors impact your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health, including powerful Alpha techniques that will enable you to continue the healing process and focus your attention on specific goals while you’re at OHI and after you return home.

14. Will the OHI program help me stop smoking?
While the OHI program is not designed for quitting smoking, the cleansing program and nutritious meals will assist in removing toxins from your body. In addition, the body-mind-spirit classes will help you to focus your attention on specific goals that you can use while on campus and when you return home.

15. What is the policy on smoking?
OHI is a smoke-free environment inside and out. Smoking is not permitted at OHI in the privacy of your room or anywhere on the grounds.

16. What is the policy on alcohol?
OHI is an alcohol-free environment. We do not allow alcohol on campus, in the privacy of your room or anywhere on the grounds.

17. I am highly sensitive to noise. What room do you recommend for me?
OHI offers a variety of accommodations and room fees to make our healing program as inclusive to everyone. Room fees vary depending on location, building, room size, and occupancy. If you are sharing a room with another person, you may want to consider bringing ear-plugs.

OHI Austin is located on 14 wooded acres in a rural area 16 miles from Austin. Rooms that face the quiet Texas woods make an excellent choice for those who treasure quiet. OHI San Diego is located in a residential neighborhood in an urban area. Rooms that are inward facing to the courtyard make an excellent choice for those who treasure quiet.

18. Does OHI have a dress code?
No; however for health reasons, shoes or sandals must be worn in the common areas. Closed toe shoes are required in food preparation classes. Most people choose to wear casual clothing. Many people bring exercise clothes and tennis shoes for the exercise classes and a bathing suit for the pool and hot tub. Clothes are required at all times.

19. Is there a laundry facility?
Yes, we have a laundry facility that is coin-operated. We request that you purchase our environmentally friendly soap. Because of heightened sensitivity during detoxification, we do not allow the use of fabric softeners or dryer sheets.

20. How much will it cost me to attend OHI for a week?
You can calculate the amount that you are likely to spend by considering the following items:

• Tuition for the OHI holistic healing program: Covers all classes, activities, materials, wheat grass, meals, and one hydro-colon therapy session or $80 store credit
• Room fees: Varies depending on location, building, room size, and occupancy
• Services: Massage, colon-hydrotherapy, and chiropractic services are available by professionals contracted by OHI to provide their services on campus. These services are additional fee.
• Optimum Health Store (optional items):

The Optimum Health Store carries personal care as well as health and beauty items that you may have forgotten to bring with you from home. The store also carries household items; books, cards, and stationary; music and DVDs, and clothing and accessories. All items are available for purchase at an additional fee.

Note: some of our service providers only accept cash or personal checks for payment. You can ask about payment options before you arrive. We do not offer check cashing services or an ATM on campus, so please come prepared.

21. Does OHI require a deposit to make a reservation?
Payment in full for the first week is required at the time a reservation is made. If a reservation is made for more than one week, the remaining balance for the entire stay is due at check in.

22. What are the methods of payment?
OHI accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. Personal checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank and must be received 10 days prior to your stay. OHI also accepts cash and money orders.

23. What happens if I must change my reservation?
OHI allows you to reschedule one visit. A rescheduled visit must begin within one year of the originally scheduled visit. There is no fee for rescheduling a visit if made 8 days or more in advance. A fee of $200 is charged for rescheduling a visit with less than 8 days notice. After a guest has checked in for the original visit, no refund is allowed. Guests must sign an acknowledgement of cancellation within 2 weeks of requesting a rescheduled visit. Once signed, no additional reschedules are allowed.

24. What happens if I must cancel my reservation?
Cancellations made 8 days or more in advance will incur a $200 fee. No refunds for cancellations made less than 8 days in advance. No refunds are given after the guest has checked in.

25. I have a relative (or friend) who is very sick and needs an immediate reservation. Can you help?
The OHI policy is first-come, first-served. If your relative or friend’s health is unstable, please discuss your concerns with your physician before you arrive. We are a healing instititute, not a medical facility. We do not have a physician on premise. Your relative (or friend) must be well enough to take care of himself or herself. He or she must also be willing to participate in all facets of our integrated program for physical, mental, spiritual and emotional healing.

26. I am pregnant. Am I a good fit for the program?Women who are pregnant or nursing are advised not to participate in the OHI program.

27. Can I bring children?
The Optimum Health Program is designed to help you focus on healing, which is not conducive to taking care of a child at the same time. If possible, we encourage you to arrange child care for your child during your visit to OHI. However, children can attend OHI if needed. With an adult paying full private tuition, there is no charge for a child under 5 years old. The fee for children between 5 and 13 is $150. Children age 14 and over are charged full tuition. All children under the age of 18 require an adult to be present.

28. Is baby-sitting available?
No, baby-sitting is not provided.

29. Are pets allowed?
No. Pets including service animals are not permitted in any area of OHI. During the detoxification process, guests become very sensitive to aromas, contaminates and pet allergens. In addition, some of our program participants have phobias related to animals and cleanliness. Therefore animals are prohibited at OHI in order to provide a safe and sacred environment necessary for healing. 

30. Can I have visitors at any time?
No. Visitors are only allowed on campus during our Sunday Open House between 4-6pm. We have carefully created a spiritually safe, tranquil and monastic environment exclusively for our guests and adherents. By strictly limiting visitors, we keep distractions to a minimum and allow you to focus your attention on the OHI program.

1. What kind of clothes should I bring?
Bring comfortable, casual clothing and shoes. You will need closed toe shoes for food preparation classes. A light sweater is useful, as many people fill chilled while detoxing. Many people bring exercise clothing and tennis shoes for the morning exercise and afternoon stretch classes, and a bathing suit for the swimming pool and hot tub.

OHI San Diego typically enjoys sunny skies and comfortable temperatures year round. A light sweater or jacket may be required in the evening. OHI Austin has pleasant temperate weather with average low of 40 in December and January, and an average high of 95 in August. Spring and fall weather is spectacular. You can either call a few days prior to coming or you can log on to www.weather.com to check the forecast predicted for your time in either location with us.

2. What kind of toiletries should I bring?
Bring all personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, toothpaste, sun screen, and so on. However, leave all fragrant toiletries at home. Only bring products that are chemical and scent free. People become highly sensitive during detoxification, and perfumes or other scented items may be offensive. Many toiletries can be purchased at the Optimum Health Store.

3. Should I bring any other personal items?
You may want to bring a hair blow dryer, alarm clock, water bottle, sun hat, or personal pillow if desired. Hats, bottles, and pillows can be purchased at the Optimum Health Store.

4. Do I need to bring towels?
No, OHI provides bath towels in the rooms, the hot tub, and the swimming pool.

5. Should I bring an exercise or yoga mat?
There are some exercise mats available in the exercise room, and they are also available for purchase at the Optimum Health Store. However, you might want to bring your own personal mat or a beach towel for the stretching class or for colon cleansing in the privacy of your room.

6. Can I bring my mobile phone?
Yes, but the use of mobile phones in public areas is prohibited. We request that you use your mobile phone in the privacy of your room, so that you do not disturb other guests.

7. Can I bring my computer? Is there Internet access?
Yes, you may bring your computer but the use of computers in public areas is prohibited. OHI does not provide WIFI, but will provide high speed Internet in some rooms by cable for an additional fee. If Internet access is required, please make arrangements at the time of your reservation. Remember that OHI provides you with a rare opportunity to escape from the hectic pace of life, and consider whether it is really necessary for you to bring your computer during this time of peaceful relaxation.

8. What should I bring for the Friday night live event?
On Friday nights, guests gather to share their personal talents in lively evening of music, spoken word, dance, and performance. Consider bringing a musical instrument, a favorite poem, materials for a skit, or any other item that highlights your gifts.

1. How do I get to OHI?
For transportation options from the airport or driving directions, please visit:

• OHI Austin: Transportation and directions 
• OHI San Diego: Transportation and directions 

2. What time is check-in?
Check-in occurs every Sunday at the following times:

• OHI Austin: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• OHI San Diego: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

We highly recommend that you arrive prior to 4:00 pm so that you do not miss open house and new guest activities.

3. What if I require a late arrival check-in?
At OHI Austin, the front desk closes at 7:00 pm on Sunday. If you arrive later than 7:00 pm, you will need to enter an access code at the front gate, which you will receive your arrival packet after your reservation is made. You will find a notebook with your room key in the foyer of the main building.

At OHI San Diego, the front desk closes at 8:00 pm on Sunday. If you arrive later than 8:00 pm, you will need to find other accommodation in the San Diego area for the evening. You may check-in on Monday morning after 7:00 am.

4. What should I expect on the first day?
Upon arrival at either OHI Austin or OHI San Diego, you will be greeted by one of our healing missionaries who will direct you to the reception area. You will be asked to fill in some forms and assigned a room. At this time, you will also receive materials for the week including your OHI Planner. We encourage returning guests to bring the OHI Planner you received on your first visit.

At 4:00 pm, our Sunday Open House tour and welcome orientation are delivered. This is followed by dinner at 5:15 pm, and new guest orientation at 6:00 pm.

If you have not already booked colon hydrotherapy, massage, or chiropractic services, you may schedule appointments on Sunday. At OHI Austin, if you intend to have colon hydrotherapy services, you must arrive on Sunday by 7:00 pm to meet with a physician for a brief screening. Texas state law requires that you obtain a prescription to have a colon hydrotherapy session.

5. What time is check-out?
Check-out time is at 10:00 am on Sunday.